Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Unlike other types of fats, our bodies cannot produce omega-3s on their own in adequate amounts, which means we must get them from our diets. Omega-3 fatty acids come in three main types: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which is found in plant-based sources, and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which are primarily found in marine sources. “EPA and DHA are the omega-3s most associated with cardiovascular, brain and eye health, and they are important during pregnancy,” shares Elana Natker, RD, a U.K.- and U.S.-based dietitian. “DHA is found in abundance in the brain and in the retina of the eye, although both EPA and DHA are also found in every cell of the body,” Natker adds.
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